'Old person's health issue' now affecting more people as young as 18

Once considered a condition that only affected the elderly, arthritis is increasingly affecting much younger people - and lifestyle may be to blame.

Pharmacist Noel Wicks, advisor to Deep Relief, said: "We often think that arthritis is something that only middle-aged and older people get but a new report for Deep Relief has found that young people are now suffering too. In fact, almost half of young adults aged 18 to 34 say they're currently sore or aching.

"What I find really worrying is that one in five 18 to 24-year-olds and 23% of 35-to-44-year-olds say they now have arthritis. Clearly arthritis is no longer a health issue for older people alone.

"There is a myriad of reasons behind this worrying trend, with lifestyle at the focus of most of them. In younger people, the rise of screen- based activities, whether for education, work or recreation, could be very problematic. Long hours hunched over laptops, tablets and smartphones have created the perfect storm for poor posture, muscular imbalances and strain on the spine and neck.

"Many youngsters don't help their joints either through not having enough exercise, or they do exercise without proper form. From skipping warm-ups and cool downs to exercising incorrectly - such as doing strength-based exercises with incorrect form, exercise, while being an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, needs to be done properly.

"Even one session with a personal trainer to show you how to work safely in the gym can reap dividends for looking after your joints. Diet is important too, as much of the 'fast food', including snacks we eat these days, is a source of inflammation for the whole of the body and can contribute to inflammation of the joints and hence arthritis.

"Weight is also a factor when it comes to arthritis due to the strain it puts on the joints. In 2022 among males, 35% of 16–24-year-olds, 58% of 25–34-year-olds and 75% of 35–44-year-olds were overweight or obese. In females equivalent figures were 38%, 57% and 61% respectively."

Keep moving: Noel said: "Muscle and joint stiffness is a common problem when you're still for long periods of time. Make sure you move at least once every hour - set an alarm if you need to! Stretch, walk around...whatever you need to do to change position. If you are dealing with pain, it's also best to move. Research has found that staying physically active can actually reduce the severity of pain."

Try topical pain relief: Noel said: "For pain linked to non-serious arthritic conditions, topical pain relief can be very effective - and avoid some of the side effects of oral painkillers."

Ensure good posture: Noel advised: "Many young people face pain from bad posture. Sitting slumped over a keyboard or a smartphone all day can make muscles and joints sore and tight. So, whether you're sitting or standing, keep your back upright, shoulders back and feet planted on the ground with weight distributed evenly. Also avoid slumping on a sofa over your phone and try not to use a phone in bed as you will strain neck joints."

Exercise is fantastic, but it's important to do it safely: If you're a runner, invest in good running shoes, and if you frequent the gym, consider hiring a personal trainer, even if just for one session, to ensure you're using the equipment correctly and safely for your joints.

Maintain a healthy anti-inflammatory diet: Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as beans, wholegrains, seeds and nuts. If you're a meat lover, feel free to indulge, but don't let it dominate every meal.

Noel added: "Despite some pain being short-lived, such as post-gym muscle soreness, sharp or lasting pain is not normal and should be checked. If pain stops you from living your life as normal, see your GP."